Dubai: At least 11 Indians were among the more than 300 people injured in an attack at Saudi Arabia’s international airport in Riyadh, the Indian Embassy said on Sunday a day after the attack that killed 12 people.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh, in a social media post, on Sunday said it has been following up on the “dastardly attack” on Riyadh airport and was in touch with the local authorities to enquire about their well-being.
The attack was the latest of several in the past week targeting the airport. The deceased included four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshi nationals, a Palestinian, a US citizen, an Egyptian, a Jordanian, a Syrian and a Sudanese.
“It is learnt that 11 Indians are among those injured in the attack. Embassy has been in touch with local authorities to enquire about their well-being. Our officials have also reached out to the hospital authorities,” the embassy said.
Strongly condemning the incident, India on Sunday said the repeated attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in the Gulf nation are “completely unacceptable and must cease immediately”.
“We strongly condemn the repeated attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport over the past few days, including the dastardly attack on October 10, which have led to loss of lives, injuries and damage to property,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
“We express our condolences to the families of the deceased and wish speedy recovery to the injured persons,” it said.
Saudi Arabia has blamed Houthi militants for the attack.
“We stand in solidarity with the people and the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in defence of their sovereignty, and hope that peace and normalcy returns to the region at the earliest,” the MEA said.
In view of the security situation, the Indian Embassy issued an advisory on Thursday advising all Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain alert and vigilant, stay indoors as necessary, and follow the instructions issued by local authorities.
Kashmir: Leaders express concern
Srinagar: Political leaders in Kashmir on Sunday expressed concern over the missile attack on Riyadh International Airport in Saudi Arabia that left at least 12 dead and around 300 injured, asking for dialogue for a fair resolution of the crisis.
In a post on X, Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari said, “The missile attack on Riyadh International Airport, which left at least 12 people dead and 300 injured, is deeply alarming. The fact that this is the third attack on the airport this week makes the situation even more concerning.”
Bukhari, a former minister, said targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure is a clear violation of international law and must be unequivocally condemned.
Saudi Arabia has blamed the Houthis for the attack.
Kashmir’s chief preacher Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also expressed deep concern over the attack, saying it risks widening an already grave regional crisis.
“The deeply distressing attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, resulting in tragic loss of life and injuries to hundreds, is a dangerous escalation that only adds to the suffering of civilians in the region and risks widening an already grave regional crisis,” Mirwaiz said in a post on X.
Calling for restraint, he urged the rivals to enter into dialogue for a fair resolution of the crisis.
“All sides must exercise restraint and engage in dialogue and diplomacy for a fair resolution of the crisis, and prevent further escalation and loss of precious human lives,” he added.
